Release Date: March 20, 2025
Plot Summary
Set in early 2000s Kolkata, “Khakee: The Bengal Chapter” delves into the intricate nexus of crime, politics, and law enforcement. The narrative centers on IPS officer Arjun Maitra (Jeet), a steadfast cop determined to dismantle the criminal empire of Shankar ‘Bagha’ Barua (Saswata Chatterjee), a notorious gangster thriving under political patronage. As Arjun navigates the treacherous waters of corruption and violence, he confronts formidable adversaries, including the influential politician Barun Roy (Prosenjit Chatterjee), who manipulates the system to his advantage. The series portrays a relentless battle between righteousness and lawlessness, highlighting the challenges faced by those who dare to uphold justice in a compromised system.
Cast and Production Team
- Jeet as IPS Arjun Maitra: Embodies the role of an upright police officer committed to restoring law and order in Kolkata.
- Prosenjit Chatterjee as Barun Roy: Portrays a cunning politician with deep ties to the criminal underworld.
- Saswata Chatterjee as Shankar ‘Bagha’ Barua: Delivers a menacing performance as the feared gangster ruling Kolkata’s underbelly.
- Chitrangada Singh as Nibedita Basak: Plays the Leader of Opposition, adding depth to the political dynamics of the series.
- Ritwik Bhowmik as Sagor Talukdar: Depicts an ambitious henchman seeking power within the criminal hierarchy.
Production Team
- Creators: Neeraj Pandey
- Directors: Debatma Mandal, Tushar Kanti Ray
- Writers: Debatma Mandal, Samrat Chakraborty, Neeraj Pandey
- Music: Sanjoy Chowdhury
- Cinematography: Tushar Kanti Ray
Khakee: The Bengal Chapter Ratings
The series has elicited a spectrum of responses from critics:
- The Times of India: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5) “Despite its intense action sequences and political intrigue, Khakee: The Bengal Chapter struggles to break free from crime thriller clichés.”
- NDTV: ⭐⭐½☆☆ (2.5/5) “Competently mounted, smartly lit and lensed, and solidly acted, Khakee: The Bengal Chapter is definitely not devoid of merit.”
- The Indian Express: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2/5) “A promising start quickly descends into predictability. The beats are familiar, the character types are even more so.”
- Rediff: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) “The show is further accentuated by violent energy and relentless twists and turns that keep the drama full of high stakes and thrills.”
Conclusion
“Khakee: The Bengal Chapter” offers a gritty portrayal of Kolkata’s criminal landscape, bolstered by compelling performances from its ensemble cast. While the series treads familiar ground in the crime thriller genre, its authentic depiction of the city’s socio-political milieu and the moral dilemmas faced by its characters provide an engaging viewing experience. For fans of intense cop dramas intertwined with political intrigue, this series presents a noteworthy addition to the genre.
